The Revealed Identity of Omicron... "Pandemic 'Fear' Is Premature" [Reading Science]

Image of spike protein changes in the Omicron variant. Photo by the official Twitter account of 'Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital' in Rome, Italy.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] A research team at an Italian hospital has revealed the first image of the spike protein of the 13th variant of the COVID-19 virus, the 'Omicron' strain. Although there are concerns about the potential ineffectiveness of existing vaccines, scientists have expressed the opinion that "the likelihood of a pandemic resurgence is low."

The multidisciplinary medical research team at the 'Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital' in Rome, Italy, on the 28th (local time), produced and released the world's first image of the spike protein structure of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. According to this image, the Omicron variant's spike protein has more mutations concentrated in the region that interacts with human cells than the Delta variant. The Delta variant has 18 amino acid residues mutated in the spike protein, whereas the Omicron variant has as many as 43 amino acid residues mutated. The red dots in the image indicate regions with a high number of mutations and very high variability, while lighter colors indicate fewer mutations.

The research team explained, "(A high degree of mutation) does not automatically mean it is more dangerous to humans," adding, "It simply means the virus has generated different mutations and adapted more to the human species. Further research will determine whether this adaptation is neutral, less dangerous, or more dangerous."

With these characteristics of the Omicron variant confirmed, global attention is focused on how resistant it is to existing vaccines. The critical issues include whether its transmissibility is strong enough to neutralize antibodies generated by vaccination and whether the fatality rate will increase in terms of severe cases and deaths if infected.

In this regard, global health authorities and experts have refrained from making definitive statements, saying "more research is needed." Medical staff in South Africa, where the Omicron variant was first discovered, have reported that although its infectivity was stronger than that of the Delta variant and other existing viruses, the severity and rate of progression to critical illness were relatively mild.

However, many believe that fears of a pandemic resurgence are premature. Andrew Pollard, head of the Oxford University vaccine group that developed the AstraZeneca vaccine in the UK, stated in a BBC Radio interview on the 28th (local time) that COVID-19 vaccines are still effective. He explained, "Looking at the locations where mutations have occurred in the COVID-19 virus, we can see they are the same points as in previous variants," adding, "This means that despite the presence of variants such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta, vaccines have continued to provide preventive effects."

Pollard also acknowledged that it is not yet possible to confirm whether existing vaccines are effective against the new Omicron variant but warned against causing fear due to premature predictions. He said, "It will not be confirmed within weeks that vaccines will continue to be effective," and added, "As we have observed, the likelihood of a pandemic resurgence among vaccinated people is extremely low."